Past Events
Holding Steady
Practicing Principles of Non Violence
JUNE 2026
Speaker: Annie Bachmann
WEBINAR
Facilitated by Annie Bachmann — a student and practitioner of nonviolence , a shiatsu therapist and teacher of Japanese-based spiritual healing practices, including Buddhist chanting. As a steering committee member of IPWG, a co-coordinator of Building Unity for Nonviolent Action and the U.S. Ambassador for the International Flame of Hope, she aims to help people discover their altruistic heart and live and act from that deeper source of courage, wisdom, and love.
How God’s Peace Informs Gun Violence Prevention
May 2026
Speaker: Jeff Wild
WEBINAR
The number of deaths due to gun violence in the United States exceeds the death rate of every other country in the world. We applaud those who advocate and support legislation for common sense laws, medical providers who address gun violence as a public health issue, and community organizers striving to strengthen bonds of mutual care and connections. This webinar will explore the role faith communities in addressing gun in both prophetic and pastoral ways that affirms but goes beyond the practice of thoughts and prayers. God's peace provides the grounding needed to shape life-affirming values, challenge idolatrous convictions and resist myths giving credence to gun ownership.
IPWG Spring Conference
April 2026
In April of 2026 IPWG held its first Interfaith Conference. Non Violence in Action - an interfaith conversation on building the beloved community. Please visit our Resource Page under IPWG Archives for Articles and Videos from this Wonderful Day!
May 29, 2025
Presentation by Khader El-Yateem, the Executive Director for Service and Justice at the ELCA. This event was sponsored by the South-Central Synod of Wisconsin, ELCA and Wisconsin’s Interfaith Peace Working Group.
The Genocide in Gaza:
What We Can Do About It
MAY 2025
Speaker: Dennis T. Olson served as Charles T. Haley Professor of Old Testament Theology and Chair of the Biblical Studies Department at Princeton Theological Seminary.
In this Bible Study, Dr. Olson examines and evaluates this interpretation with reference to the debate between Palestinian theologian Mitri Raheb and Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggeman. This study will also examine biblical texts that appear to encourage work for a peaceful or multi-state solution for this conflicted land and suffering land and people.
To Whom Does the Land of Israel/Palestine Belong: A Biblical Perspective
APRIL 2025
Speaker: Dennis T. Olson served as Charles T. Haley Professor of Old Testament Theology and Chair of the Biblical Studies Department at Princeton Theological Seminary.
In this Bible Study, Dr. Olson examines and evaluates this interpretation with reference to the debate between Palestinian theologian Mitri Raheb and Old Testament scholar Walter Brueggeman. This study will also examine biblical texts that appear to encourage work for a peaceful or multi-state solution for this conflicted land and suffering land and people.
Take up Your Cross
On Saturday, August 2, 2025, about 500 people took part in the Resist Government Cruelty Take Up Your Cross act of resistance. Walkers carried an 8 foot cross from the Capitol Square to the Capitol. Click on the link below to read the Capital Times article about this act of resistance to government cruelty.
JUNE 2024 - 2026 continuing…
Gaza Empty Shoe Exhibit Madison
An exhibit of 200 pairs of shoes representing lives lost in Israel's attack on Gaza, with signs calling for a ceasefire, humanitarian aid, and an end to U.S. military aid to Israel. IPWG organized the action with help from Friends Meeting of Madison, Madison Mennonite Church, Jewish Voice for Peace, Madison for a World Beyond War, and Building Unity.
This work is being continued still today by Mennonite Action Madison. We are grateful for their efforts.
Make War Visible and End It
APRIL 2024
Speaker: Norman Solomon, co-founder of the Institute for Public Accuracy and Roots Action
Norman Solomon said that no matter how much coverage of war comes through mainstream news outlets, the human realities of warfare are scarcely conveyed. “The activist’s task is shattering the silence about war, challenging mainstream media and creating our own media.”
The Middle East Crisis
SEPTEMBER 2024
Speaker: Peter Makari, Global Relations Minister for the Middle East and Europe for the United Church of Christ and the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), member of the Board of Churches for Middle East Peace
Peter Makari, a leading specialist on the crisis in Gaza and the Middle East, presented for churches and other communities of faith on the crisis in the Middle East. Born in Egypt, he is among the most well-informed Church leaders on developments in the Middle East, having spent much of his life studying and living in that part of the world.
International Peace Day Film Viewing
September 2024
The film, Where Olive Trees Weep, offers a searing window into the struggles and resilience of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation. It explores themes of loss, trauma, and the quest for justice.
A Force More Powerful
SEPTEMBER 2023
Speaker: Jerry Folk
IPWG ‘s President Jerry Folk, is a retired Lutheran clergyman. He has taught theology and peace studies courses in colleges and seminaries in several states and is the author of three books, including Doing Theology, Doing Justice (1991).
A six-session study on non-violent action was led by Jerry Folk at Holy Wisdom Monastery. This study was based on the book and film A Force More Powerful. (Video for screening available above)
The Power and Promise of
Nonviolent Action
NOVEMBER 2023
Speaker: Dr. Maria Stephan
Dr. Maria Stephan, co-author of the book Why Civil Resistance Works, explained why non-violent campaigns are twice as effective as violent campaigns in achieving positive social change and democracy.
Evensong For Peace
JUNE 2021 - MAY 2022
The Interfaith Peace Working Group sponsored a series of 12 monthly online Evensong programs with brief homilies from members of Buddhist, Christian and Jewish faiths. The programs consisted of music, prayer and a short homily/sermon followed by breakout groups in which people responded to a query.
War in Ukraine: Making Sense of a Senseless Conflict
OCTOBER 2022
Speaker: Medea Benjamin, co-founder of CODEPINK and the fair trade advocacy group Global Exchange
Medea Benjamin gave a history of Ukraine-Russia-NATO relations and spoke of opportunities to bring an end to the Ukraine war through diplomacy.
Hunger and Hope in the Federal Budget … An Insider’s View
APRIL 2018
Speaker: Sister Simone Campbell, SSS, Executive Director of NETWORK Social Justice Lobby
Sister Simone spoke about what she has seen and heard in her travels, especially on the “Nuns on the Bus” cross-country trips. She focused on topics like economic justice and immigration reform, and explained why compassion and love can be a basis for policy choices and priorities for Federal spending.
Demilitarizing for a Brighter Future
FEBRUARY 2018
Speaker: Lindsay Koshgarian, National Priorities Project Program Director
Lindsay documented what the U.S. spends on the military and what could be done with that money to meet human needs. The mission of her organization is to inspire individuals and movements to take action so that our federal resources prioritize peace, shared prosperity, and economic security for all.
Trillions for the Military: Will that make us secure?
NOVEMBER 2017
Speaker: Kathy Kelly, co-coordinator of Voices for Creative Nonviolence
Having stood alongside people in war zones, Kathy has spoken and written about the futility of U.S. militarism, the terrible consequences of U.S. Wars, and the positive, proven potential for nonviolent resistance to war and injustice.
Advocacy
May 2023 – IPWG members joined other Back from the Brink Coalition members in a Zoom Meeting with Rep. Mark Pocan to thank him for his co-sponsorship of House Res. 77, which calls on the U.S. to join the United Nations Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons and to urge him to continue working to redirect defense dollars to programs that meet human needs.
Fall 2018 – We joined Physicians for Social Responsibility–Wisconsin at a press conference calling for the Madison City Council to pass a “Back from the Brink” nuclear weapon disarmament/divestment resolution.
Fall 2017 – We joined representatives of Physicians for Social Responsibility–Wisconsin, the Outrider Foundation, Veterans for Peace and the Womens’ International League for Peace and Freedom to lobby Senator Baldwin’s staff for support of bills that would cut funding for U.S. nuclear weapons modernization and prohibit the first use of nuclear weapons by the U.S.